Juniata RiverFEST to take place on Saturday

June 27, 2013

LEWISTOWN - Juniata RiverFEST is set to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, in Lewistown.

RiverFEST is an all-day independence celebration featuring a 5k River Rampage, "Whatever Floats" on the Juniata River, Rockin' by the River Entertainment, RiverFEST Idol, vendors, activities and fireworks.

At 9 a.m., the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau will present its annual River Rampage 5k to kick off this year's festivities. The route is a basic flat and fast course. Race day registration will be held at 8 a.m. in the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation parking lot. There are currently 115 people pre-registered for the race. The event will be broken into gender and age groups and trophies will be awarded to the top male and female in each category. There will also be an award for best patriotic costume.

Article Photos

Sentinel file photoJim Powell, front, wades through the waters of the Juniata River as he hands an Olympic Torch to a teammate on the Creekside Hearth and Patio Olympic Games themed raft during the 2012 Juniata RiverFest Raft Regatta.

In recent years, the RiverFEST raft, regatta and community float has morphed into the "Whatever Floats" event. The purpose is to enjoy the river any way possible: raft, kayak, floating tube or man-made apparatus. The event will be begin at 10 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are mandatory. Registration is not required.

RiverFEST coordinator Jill Haubrick says the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, along with police, will be enforcing open container laws during the course of this year's festival.

Throughout the day, "Rockin' by the River" entertainment will be provided at Victory Park. The schedule is slated as:

Noon, Lil G from GMan Entertainment;

1 p.m., Bernie Rich;

2 p.m., Nathaniel Mowery;

3 p.m., Juniata RiverFEST Idol;

5 p.m., Chris Ruble Band;

6 p.m., Three Months Off;

7 p.m., The Remnants;

8 p.m., Rhyne McCormick;

10 p.m., Junkhouse.

The festival will close with a Fourth of July fireworks show celebration.